Sochi (pps) Einars Fogelis and Valdis Kuzis from Latvia, the Russian Valeriy Silakov and Josef Thaler from Italy were awarded the Medal of Honor in gold at the 58th Congress of the International Luge Federation (FIL) at Sochi, Russia. The German Thomas Schwab and Gennady Rodjonov from Russia received the Medal of Honor in silver. Moreover, FIL president Josef Fendt awarded a bronze Luge sculpture and a certificate of honor to Karl-Heinz Anschütz who will retire as the FIL Sports Coordinator this year. The Thuringian had started his functionary career as a member of the sports commission in 1977 and acted as a member of the technical commission thereafter. From 1995 Anschütz was involved as a permanent Technical Delegate and worked as the FIL sports coordinator since 2002. Marie-Luise Rainer from Italy will be his successor. The Medal of Honor in bronze was awarded to the Latvians Sergejs Cevers, Zane Kruze, Janis Liepa, Sandris Berzins and Dace Gods-Romanovska. In addition, Wolfgang Schädler from Liechtenstein, the American Larry Page, Frantisek Halir and Jindrich Zeman (both from Czech Republic) as well as to the Russians Andrey Knyr and Alexander Vasin were honored with bronze awards.
